'Boaty McBoatface' may not see the light of day

The viral entry brought global attention to the polar research vessel.

'Boaty McBoatface,' which received over 124,000 votes, will likely not end up being the final name of NERC's new polar vessel.
(Photo: Twitter/NERC)

To name its latest, most technologically advanced polar research vessel, Britain's Natural Environment Research Council (un)wisely turned to the internet for suggestions. After many weeks of spirited voting, the internet has spoken. Everyone please raise a glass and prepare to break a bottle of champagne against the hull of the RRS Boaty McBoatface!

Alas, such a beautiful name is likely not to be — even though McBoatface received 124,000 votes from around the world, three times more than its nearest competitor.

While NERC has a sense of humor, officials there have said all along that the name of the vessel should reflect its serious mission.

"It's going to be doing science on some of the most important issues facing humanity," U.K. Tory minister Jo Johnson told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Johnson, who according to the Mirror, will have the final say on the decision, added that the ship's missions will center around global warming, climate change and rising sea levels. "So you want a name that fits the gravity and the importance of the subject," he said.

Former BBC radio host James Hand, the man who first suggested McBoatface, says he's apologized to the officials behind the poll.

My apology for #BoatyMcBoatface was in the most British sense. I stand by it being a brilliant name.